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Gossip Girl Set Report #4: Gramercy Park

Monday I paid a visit to the Gramercy Park set of Gossip Girl, and ended up photographing some of the best cast appearances yet! Usually when I’ve gone, only a few cast members at a time are on set. But this time, I hit the jackpot! And ended up meeting some amazing fellow fans in the process.

I hit the set right after lunch time. Within about 15 minutes of arriving, Leighton Meester came out of her trailer.

And then came and went. Again, and again. So many times I got confused where she was.
She was followed by Jessica Szohr, who looked beautiful as always!

Not long after, Penn Badgley appeared, but quickly ran into his trailer and ended up not leaving for an hour or two.

I’m not really sure what was going on, as all of the filming was being done indoors in a museum of some sort (supposedly subbing as an NYU building). But nearly all of the cast came in and out many times!

Also seen were Kelly Rutherford (who is gorgeous, and amazingly nice!), Matthew Settle, and Ed Westwick:

And finally, after hours of waiting, Hilary Duff!

While I was waiting, I met the show’s #1 fans, this group of sisters!
What cuties!

Today was probably the best day I’ve had on set so far. The cast all seemed to be in a good mood, and most of the actors stopped to pose for photos with a few fans. Usually that’s not something I see them do when there are crowds of any sort. It was easy to photograph the cast as well–all of the trailers were within a block of the Gramercy Park building they were shooting in, so each time they passed back and forth fans were able to snap some photos! (Sometimes they were actually so close to me my telephoto ended up being too much, and I ended up with out of focus photos!)

Unfortunately, a few rude paparazzi showed up again today. Including one dowdy older woman who shoved me, asking me to move so she could “do her job”. When I said no I was photographing the cast too, she became irate. Her partner or “friend” was even worse. He actually ran in front of me, and nearly knocked me down to get a shot of Leighton. Totally ruining my own shots, and almost hurting me. I think some of these photographers should remember acting like a jerk won’t get you anywhere, and the bodyguards and crew DO notice your behavior. There’s also no need for them to freak out about getting the perfect shot. Speaking as someone who works in the magazine industry, and has also worked at a photo agency: unless the photo is exclusive, you aren’t going to get paid much. So please quit acting like it’s a life or death situation that you get your shot when there are 10 other photographers (and 50 fans!) shooting the same exact thing. It’s not a Britney Spears head shaving exclusive, it’s Gossip Girl!

With that said, I had a great time today minus jerk encounters. I’m debating whether or not to go back tomorrow, to catch them filming in the same location. I’ve yet to see Blake Lively on set, and would really like to get some photos of her. I actually met her 2 years ago on a photo shoot, but that was so long ago! She seems to only film mornings. I wanted to meet Hilary Duff as well, but gave up waiting once my camera battery died (I’d forgotten my backup!). Funny enough, while waiting outside her trailer with some of my new on set friends, Chris Riggi, who will be playing Lily and Rufus’ son Scott, happened to walk by! He wasn’t filming today, but ended up walking past the set. I seemed to be the only person who knew who he was, so I called him over and asked if he’d take some photos with us. He kindly obliged, and posed for photos with the small group of fans. Right as he was about to walk away, a huge crowd of fans from across the street RAN towards him, demanding photos. He seemed scared, and I apologized for identifying him, especially on his day off. Special thanks to the fan who took my photo with Chris when my camera died!

Hope everyone enjoys the photos as much as I did taking them! Here are the rest!

Leighton Meester:

With her look-a-like brother!

Talking to her brother, inside her trailer

Later, she changed back into her own clothes and left:

She was wearing the Opening Ceremony Chloe Sevigny boots!

Jessica Szohr:
Not sure what she’s drinking, but it looks terrifying.

Her character always wears the best accessories.

Hilary Duff:

She posed for photos with some fans.

Penn Badgley:
He’s so hit or miss for me. He always looks the same. Bored. I’m just not that interested in him. Sorry…

Kelly Rutherford:
Totally gorgeous. I can’t believe she recently had a baby!

I kind of want her tunic/dress/whatever it is.

Costume Change!

Fans waiting for the cast:

Matthew Settle stopped to sign autographs and pose for photos:

Last but not least Chuck Bass Ed Westwick:

When he left, he was wearing a HUGE SWEATER. It was terrifying to see. It made me sweat, in a bad way.

Right before I went home, I met Hilary’s dog, Lola:
Cutest girl on set!

Please remember to link to my blog and give credit if you’re going to post my photos on any fan sites. I post my photos for free because fans enjoy them so much, and to get the word out about my blog. Please don’t abuse them! If you like the photos, comment! : )

Great photos! I’ve just returned from visiting NYC from Australia and was there that day too, it was so exciting to see nearly all of them! I’ll check on your blog from now on to see more pics from afar!